Torsional disconnect unit

ABSTRACT

A torsional disconnect unit particularly suited for use in releasably coupling distal ends of mutually displaceable, coaxially related portions of a fluid conduit, characterized by a substantially rigid tube, wound to a configuration conforming to a uniform helix and having an end thereof fixedly secured to one rotatably supported coupling component, of a pair of concentrically mated coupling components, while its opposite end rigidly is fixed against rotation. A particular feature of the invention resides in utilizing those characteristics of a helix which cause a helix to unwind, as it is elongated, in developing torque of a magnitude sufficient to overcome static friction as a mutual rotation between the components is initiated, whereby an axial separation of the components is attainable employing an axially directed force of magnitude sufficient to overcome sliding friction.

United States Patent [72] lnventors Thomas 0. Palm Administrator 01 theNational Aeronautics and Space Administration with respect to aninvention 01; Donald J. Starkey, Pasadena; Kenneth C. Curry, La Canada,both of Callt. [21] Appl. No. 59,895 [22] Filed July 31, 1970 [4S]Patented .Ian. 4, 1972 [54] TORSIONAL DISCONNECT UNIT 4 Claims, 2Drawing Figs.

[52] [1.8. CI 285/18, 285/345, 138/178 [51] Int. Cl F161 35/00 [50]Field of Search 287/126; 285/1, 18, 231,177, 345, 298;138/103, 178;137/799; 279/1 B, l T; 73/99, 161; 64/28, 30; 195/55, 56

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,126,780 2/1915 Jones192/56 1,730,022 10/1929 VonArx 285/177 X 2,449,555 9/1948 Hopkins etal. 192/56 C 2,558,695 6/1951 Unger 285/231 X Primary ExaminerDavid .l.Williamowsky Assistant Examinerwayne L. Shedd Attorneys-J. 1'1. Warden,Paul F. McCaul and John R.

Manning ABSTRACT: A torsional disconnect unit particularly suited foruse in releasably coupling distal ends of mutually displaceable,coaxially related portions of a fluid conduit, characterized by asubstantially rigid tube, wound to a configuration conforming to auniform helix and having an end thereof fixedly secured to one rotatablysupported coupling component, of a pair of concentrically mated couplingcomponents, while its opposite end rigidly is fixed against rotation. Aparticular feature of the invention resides in utilizing thosecharacteristics of a helix which cause a helix to unwind, as it iselonuted, in developing torque of a magnitude sufficient to overcomestatic friction as a mutual rotation between the components isinitiated, whereby an axial separation of the components is attainableemploying an axially directed force of magnitude sufficient to overcomesliding friction.

msmsnm 41912 3168211210 DONALD J. STAR/(EV KENNETH C. CURRY A rroAwzrkTORSIONAL DISCONNDCT UNIT ORIGIN OF INVENTION The invention describedherein was made in the performance of work under a NASA contract and issubject to the provisions of Section 305 of the National Aeronautics andSpace Act of 1958, Public Law 85-568 (72 Stat. 435; 42 U.S.C. 2,457).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The inventionrelates to disconnect units, and more particularly to a torsionaldisconnect unit which is adapted to apply to a coupling component, of anasociated pair of concentrically related components, torque of amagnitude sufficient for overcoming static friction while simultaneouslyapplying an axially directed force of a magnitude sufficient forovercoming sliding friction to achieve axial separation of thecomponents.

2. Description of the Prior Art The prior art is replete with disconnectunits employable in axially separating coupling components of varioustypes. Normally, where axial motion is converted to rotary motion forpurposes of applying torque to coupling components, disconnect unitsinclude complex mechanical linkages of various types. Such structureoften becomes quite complicated, bulky and of a significant mass. Wherecoupling component 'I coupled within a system which accommodates a flowof fluid under pressure, difficulty often is encountered inaccommodating a torquing of the component, due to the fact that itfrequently is necessary to maintain a fluid seal between a multiplicityof moving parts. Where separation of coupling components is achievedutilizing only axially directed forces, applied to the couplings, foreffecting an axial separation thereof, static friction initially must beovercome by the axially directed forces. When employing such structure,excessive shock frequently is encountered, particularly where thecoupling being separated are interconnected within a system includingdelicate instrumentation or similar structural components.

Therefore, there currently exists a need for a practical simplified andhighly reliable disconnect unit which can be employed in coupling fluidconduits in a manner such that associated coupling components readilyare separable separable employing axially directed forces of minimalmagnitude and applied in a manner such that efl'ects of shock-inducingforces are minimized.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, it is an object of theinstant invention to provide an improved disconnect unit for use inseparating axially related coupling components.

Another object is to provide a torsional disconnect unit adapted tointerconnect related portions of a fluid-flow system.

Another object is to provide an improved d'mconnect unit, theconfiguration of which conforms to a uniform helix so as to imparttorque to an associated, rotatable coupling component as tension isapplied thereto, whereby developed static friction is overcome byangularly applied forces, while component separation is achievedemploying an axially applied force of a magnitude sufficient to overcomesliding friction.

Another object of the instant invention is to provide an improveddisconnect unit including therein a tubular conduit conforming to auniform helix circumscribing an axis of symmetry and connecting adjacentend portions of fluid conduits.

Another object is to provide a disconnect unit operatively coupledbetween adjacent, coaxially related conduits adapted to effect axialseparation of concentrically related coupling components as an axiallydirected, separating force, of a magnitude sufficient for overcomingsliding friction established between the components, is applied to thecomponents.

It is another object of the instant invention to provide a disconnectunit including therein a unique arrangement of uniquely relatedcomponents.

These and other objects and advantages are achieved through a uniquearrangement of a semirigid conduit, configured to conform to anelongated uniform helix circumscribing an axis of symmetry, coupled toan associated torque-actuated coupling component concentrically relatedto a fixed nipple and adapted to be rotated about an axis coincidentwith the axis of symmetry of the helix. Hence, the inherent characteristics of a helix readily are employable in imparting torque to theassociated coupling component, as tension is applied to the conduit,whereby static friction developed between the component and nipple isovercome by applied torque and an axial separation of the component andnipple is achieved as sliding friction developed therebetween isovercome through an application of an axially directed separating force.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. I is a perspective view of anoperatively asembled torsional disconnect unit which embodies theprinciples of the instant invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially sectioned, fragmentary view of the ac tuator shownin FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawingwherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding partsthroughout the several views, there is shown in FIG. 1 a torsionaldisconnect unit It] embodying the principles of the present inven tion.

While the torsional disconnect unit 10 is of general utility, it hasparticular utility in coupling purge lines, not shown, coupled withinstrumentation located aboard spacecraft and the like, whereby aseparation of instrumentation and associated purge lines is effected asa separation of the spacecraft from its protective shroud is achieved asthe craft enters outer space.

As illustrated, the unit I0 is disposed between an instrument block 12,having aflixed thereto mounting brackets 13 and including a tubularnipple 14. As illustrated, this nipple is extended in a substantiallycoaxial relationship with a mutually spaced nipple l6 operativelysupported within a suitable mounting block 18. As a practical matter,the mounting block 18 is coupled, through suitable mounting brackets 19,including a shroud not shown, while the instrument block 12 includesinstrumentations adapted to be displaced relative to the shroud forimparting thereto mutual displacement between the nipples l4 and [6. Itis to be understood that the blocks 12 and 18 are restrained againstrotation by their respective mounting brackets.

As illustrated, the unit 10 further includes a tubular conduit 20 whichis wound into a configuration conforming to a unifonn helix having anelongated axis of symmetry. Preferably, the conduit 20 is fabricatedfrom a suitable semirigid material, including synthetic resins, thingauge metals and the like. The helically configured conduit 20terminates in coaxially related end portions including a first endportion 22, concentrically related to the axis of symmetry of the helix,and a second end portion 24, which :flso concentrically is related tothis axis of symmetry.

In practice, the end portion 22 securely is coupled to the nipple 16through a suitable sleeve 26, which telescopingly receives, in coaxialrelationship, the distal end portions of both the nipple l6 and theportion 22 of the conduit 20. It is, of course, to be understood that aparticular manner in which the sleeve 26 is united with the nipple l6and the portion 22 of the conduit 20 is a matter of convenience and canbe varied as found practical. However, screw threads, pins,silver-solder and the like have been satisfactorily employed in couplingthe sleeve 2 with the conduit 20 and nipple 16. In any event, it is tobe understood that the end portion 22 is secured against rotationrelative to the axis of symmetry of the helical conduit.

The opposite end portion 24, of the conduit 20, is received within atubular sleeve 28. This sleeve rigidly is fixed to a coaxially relatedcoupling component 30. As illustrated, the component 30 conforms to acaplike fitting and then concentrically receives, in a matedrelationship, the extended nipple 14. Of course, the distal end portion24 of the conduit is united with the sleeve 28 in any manner foundsuitable. lf desired, structure similar to that employed in coupling thesleeve 26 with the distal end portion 22 can successfully be utilized.The sleeve 28 and the component 30 also are united in a similar manner.However, where preferred, the component 30 and the sleeve 28 can bestamped or otherwise fabricated as integral structure.

In order to secure the component 30, in its mated relationship with thenipple 14, friction frequently is employed, although screw threads andthe like can be employed. While not shown, it is to be understood thatthe component 30 includes suitable O-rings and the like appropriatelyseated for establishing an hermetic seal between the internal surface ofthe component 30 and the external surface of the nipple M. It will beappreciated that regardless of the means employed in coupling thecomponent 30 and nipple 14, a friction fit necessarily is establishedbetween adjacent mated surfaces of the nipple l4 and the component asthey are coupled in an hermetically sealed, operative relationship. Oncethe component 30 and nipple 14 are mated a flow of pressurized fluid canoperatively be established from the instrument block 12 to a selectedfluid flow system operatively coupled therewith through the conduit 20and the nipple 16.

As is well recognized, the spring characteristics of a helix tend toimpart an unwinding deformation of a helix as axial forces areoppositely applied to the ends thereof for thereby placing the helixunder tension. Consequently, but uniting the component 30 with the endportion 24 of the conduit 20, mutually lateral displacement establishedbetween the blocks 12 and 18 serves to develop tension in the conduit 20whereby resulting forces angularly are applied to the component 30,through a moment arm dictated by the diameter of the helix.

In practice, the torque thus developed and applied to the component 30is of a magnitude sufiicient for overcoming static friction as it isdeveloped between the adjacent surfaces of the nipple l4 and component30. As the tension developed within the conduit 20 is increased, anaxially directed force component simultaneously is applied to thecomponent 30. Consequently, the component 30 simultaneously is subjectedto both angularly and axially related force components. The component 30and the nipple 14 are separated by the axially applied force componentas its magnitude operatively is increased sufficiently for overcomingsliding friction. Hence, the

axially directed force component required in overcoming sliding frictionis of a magnitude much smaller than is required to overcome thedeveloped static friction as the component 30 and the nipple 14 areseparated.

In view of the foregoing, it should readily be apparent that the presentinvention is embodied in a simplified disconnect unit which hasparticular utility in coupling adjacent end portions of fluid conduitsin a manner such that there separation is achieved employing minimalaxially directed force components. However, it is to be understood thatwhile the disconnect unit 10 has particular utility within a systememploying fluid conduits, the unit can be employed equally as well inany operable environment wherein oppositely directed forces areavailable, for developing and applying torque to selected structuralcomponents.

Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what isconceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it isrecognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of theinvention, which is not to be limited to the illustrative detailsdisclosed.

What is claimed is:

l. A torsional disconnect unit comprising:

a. an elongated having a configuration conforming to a uniform helixconcentrically related to an axis of symmetry;

b. a torque-actuatable, coupling component rigidly coupled to a firstend of the member adapted to be rotated about said axis of symmetry c. asupport means ngi dly coupled to a second end of the member adapted tobe displaced relative to said coupling along a path parallel to saidaxis of symmetry for developing tension in said member, whereby themember responsively is deformed about the axis of symmetry for applyingtorque to said coupling; and

d. means for inhibiting rotation of said support means about said axisof symmetry.

2. The unit of claim 1 wherein said member comprises tubular conduitcommunicating with said coupling and adapted to accommodate a passage offluid therebetween.

3. The unit of claim 2 wherein said coupling concentrically is seated ona nipple operatively associated with a body of fluid.

4. The unit of claim 3 wherein said support means is coupled to a secondnipple operatively associated with a fluid conduit.

t i l i l

1. A torsional disconnect unit comprising: a. an elongated member havinga configuration conforming to a uniform helix concentrically related toan axis of symmetry; b. a torque-actuatable, coupling component rigidlycoupled to a first end of the member adapted to be rotated about saidaxis of symmetry; c. a support means rigidly coupled to a second end ofthe member adapted to be displaced relative to said coupling along apath parallel to said axis of symmetry for developing tension in saidmember, whereby the member responsively is deformed about the axis ofsymmetry for applying torque to said coupling; and d. means forinhibiting rotation of said support means about said axis of symmetry.2. The unit of claim 1 wherein said member comprises a tubular conduitcommunicating with said coupling and adapted to accommodate a passage offluid therebetween.
 3. The unit of claim 2 wherein said couplingconcentrically is seated on a nipple operatively associated with a bodyof fluid.
 4. The unit of claim 3 wherein said support means is coupledto a second nipple operatively associated with a fluid conduit.